Neuro Flashcards
What are the diagnosis criteria for pseudotumor cerebrii
features of increased ICP, no evidence of other causes
no findings on CSF except increased pressure
What are the treatment modalities available for pseudotumor cerebrii and how does it work?
weight loss. acetazolamide, inhibits choroid plexus carbonic anhydrase. short term corticosteroids or serum LPs can can serve as bridging therapy while awaiting surgery
Describe the presentation of cluster headaches
explosive unilateral headaches, associated with ipsilateral lacrimation, rhinorrhea, red eye, stuffy nose
What are the signs of a spinal epidural abscess?
fever, severe focal spinal pain, neurologic deficits
What is the treatment for spinal epidural abscess?
MRI, antibiotics, and then urgent surgical evacuation
What are the reversible causes of demenita?
hypothyroidism, B12, thiamine deficiency, hypocalcemia
What medications exist for dementia? Are they effective?
cholinesterase inhibitors - used for moderate dementia
Where is the most common site of ulnar nerve entrapment?
elbow
Pure sensory stroke. Where is the lesion?
VPL nucleus
What is pseudodementia?
dementia with onset of depression that is reversible with SSRIs
How are acute exacerbation of MS treated?
corticosteroids
Explain the common causes of myopathy
connective tissue diseases (polymyositis, vasculitis)
endocrine (hypothryoidism, cushings, electrolytes (low K+, Ca+
drugs (corticosteroids, statins, alcohol, cocaine, heroin)
misc (infections, trauma, hyperthermia)
Explain the presentation of polymyositis
proximal muscle weakness, Raynaud’s, interstitial lung disease,
What is the first test that should be done in a patient with elevated creatinine kinase and myopathy?
TSH (must rule out hypothyroidism)
How do you distinguish pseudodementia from Alzheimer’s?
Pseudodementia patients are concerned about their memory loss
What is the best indicator of dementia in a patient?
impaired daily functioning
Describe cauda equina syndrome
bladder atony with incontinence, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia, loss of anal sphincter tone
What are the neuro findings of Wernicke’s syndrome?
altered mental status, nystagmus, conjugate gaze palsy
What are the findings of cobalamin deficiency?
impaired vibratory and position sense and gait abnormalities
A patient presents with periodic confusion, insomnia, frequent falls, decreased alertness and visual hallucinations. What are the findings on pathology?
lewy bodies (lewy body dementia)
What are the pathologic findings of Alzheimer’s dementia?
neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques.
What are the neurological findings of NPH?
demenita, abnormal gait, urinary incontinence, broad based gait, shuffling, bradykinesis
Describe typical presentation of Huntingtons
Autosomal dominant, presents with chorea, personality changes, demenita
Describe the features of parkinsons
mask like facial expression, bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, festinating gait, anosmia, REM sleep disorder